“Having a position and an issue and a stance on something that is not going to make it through the Republican-controlled House of Representatives doesn't move the needle at all. And I'm interested in moving the needle. And I'm interested in making sure that the Sandy Hooks and the Auroras and the gun violence that is going on in the cities -- and has been going on in cities for a long, long time -- begins to be reduced.”

One example he cites is more enforcement of gun laws already on the books, such as in the case of someone who does not pass a background check while trying to buy a gun.

“There are very few prosecutions of that person who is trying to illegally buy a gun. ... And nothing happens with that information. There’s very few prosecutions on things like that.”

Ryan hosted a meeting with police and prosecutors last month, and another with gun owners and dealers last week. He plans to meet with mental health and gun control advocates in the coming weeks.